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Subject:Need help identifying carvings on antique bed
Posted By: Claire Sun, Apr 06, 2008 IP: 69.106.225.160

Hello Asian Art Forum!

I have a wonderful old Chinese marriage bed. I am trying to identify the scenes that are carved on the bed. Some things I understand, but others I do not.

The first photo shows the entire bed.




Subject:Re: Need help identifying carvings on antique bed
Posted By: Claire Thu, Apr 10, 2008

Here are three photos of the carvings, more to follow.

On the first image, there are 4 stylized phoenix birds (representing the bride) surrounding the two figures in the center. Can anyone tell me who the two figures are? Could the smaller one be the child the newlyweds hope to have? The bearded figure (maybe an immortal?) is pointing

On the second image one of the figures is riding a horse and the other figure has very long feathers or streamers on his hat

On the third image the smaller "child" figure appears again on the left, with what seem to be immortals. They are all holding their belts, except for the one with the largest hat who seems to be embracing the figure next to him.

I'm







Subject:Re: Need help identifying carvings on antique bed
Posted By: Claire Thu, Apr 10, 2008

Here is one of the two twin dragons (representing the groom) on the lower part of the bed where you climb in. The dragon has three toes, so I believe that means the owners were not of the Imperial family. Can we tell anything about them from the dragon or which type of dragon he is and what that means?

Next is a panel I call "the Peach Panel" because the smaller "child" figure seems be be about to receive a peach (meaning longevity) from the larger figure (who could he be?). The background of this panel seems to be a stylized peach tree. See the peach in the upper left corner and leaves in the lower right corner.

More photos to follow! Thanks so much for your help! I want to be able to understand and fully appreciate this bed!






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